December 24, 2012

It's Christmas Eve everybody! I hope you guys are jamming to all the twinkling and cheery tunes today. Here are 10 Christmas songs that cannot go without playing in my household. Meeerrrry Christmas!1.) BRENDA LEE - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
My most favorite Christmas song EVERRRRR...

3.) CHUCK BERRY - Run Rudolph Run
Another classic... The Home Alone soundtracks are just really good.

4.) DEAN MARTIN & FRANK SINATRA- Marshmellow World
Ugh, I'm obsessed with both of them. and this song.

5.) SHE&HIM - Baby It's Cold Outside
I love them! and the video is so adorbs!

6.) JUSTIN BIEBER - Fa La La feat. Boyz II Men
Everything JB does puts a smile on my face. And this song is Christmas perfection...what a wonderful collaboration with one of the best music groups ever!

7.) MARIAH CAREY - All I Want For Christmas Is You
Duh, is this not on everyone's Christmas playlist?

10.) TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA - Christmas / Sarajevo
I seriously thought WTF when I first watched this. I did not expect this video to be like this at all. But regardless, TSO is amazefest USA! SoOo good!

December 17, 2012

*The order is alphabetical by artist and is not a favorites countdown.

1.) JOKER - Purple City
My friend Paul introduced me to Joker...my new dubstep obsession. This song sounds so amazeballs in Paul's subwoofed car and playing it on my Mac doesn't do this song any justice. Please turn up the bass to hear the song in its full glory.

2.) KANYE WEST - Clique feat. Big Sean & Jay-Z
Songs like this make me wish I was a dancer...I would go so hard on this track. 1:28 is my favorite part in this video.

And why not another...

3.) MODESTEP - Another Day
I've been non-stop repeating this song during my runs. I love songs that make me run for miles! And the video is...interesting haha.

TAYLOR SWIFT - I Knew You Were Trouble
Her album RED is amazing, and my little ears instantly loved all up on this song. It's so majorly bubbly and edgy. Love it!

WAYNE WONDER - Caught Up
Anybody remember Wanye Wonder?! 'No Letting Go' is one of my all time favorite songs, and I was so happy about this year's new album. It's not my favorite compilation, but it's pretty good.

2.) DANITY KANE - Ooh Ahh
I wanted DK to make a video for this soOo badly! I was obsessed with this song back in 2006 and am clearly still a little cray-cray over it.

3.) ED SHEERAN - Lego House
He's a ginger. He sings. Obviously an instant fave. Give his CD + a listen--folky-pop at its finest.

4.) KIMBRA - Cameo Lover
This video is an oldie but goodie. I just love the candy-colored pops in this video. Kimbra, surprisingly, didn't blow up like I thought she would after being featured on Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used To Know'. She's one of my all time faves who totally deserves more attention. Not only does she have an amazing voice, she also has a fabulous sense of style and is always wearing the best ensembles. GIRL CRUSHING HARD!

5.) WILL.I.AM - Scream & Shoutfeat. Britney Spears
This may not be a timeless classic, but it's catchy and ALL the fun. Don't tell me you won't be jammin' to this at the bar/club, because you will be...whether you like it or not. Oh, and Brit looks fab!

December 3, 2012

Hello my loves! So I haven't posted a MUSIC MONDAY entry for a couple of weeks now and that's due to MIXPOD.com suddenly shutting down.

I guess MIXPOD decided to turned themselves into an app. You can find it in the app store by typing in 'music playlist' or 'mixpod'. The app seems pretty user-friendly and still allows me to make playlists, but I miss the ease and convenience of the online website. Thus, I won't be using MIXPOD for my MUSIC MONDAYposts anymore.

I will still be posting my top 5 songs of the week though, and it will look similar to the format I have below. The order is alphabetical by artist and is not a favorites countdown.

1.) 2PAC - Keep Ya Head Up
Revisited one of my favorite 2Pac songs...

2.) HUNTER HAYES - Wanted
I heard this on a country radio station a while ago and kept forgetting to look it up. I finally remembered to do so and was happy to see such cute boy singing this! Adorable song :)

3.) MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS - Thrift Store feat. Wanz

I love Macklemore...some good usage of the saxophone in this song! The first time I heard anything by Macklemore, I thought it was WALLPAPER. , but was glad to know there was another artist making music like this. I find songs like this to be comedic and upbeat...a recipe for feel good jams!

4.) NICKI MINAJ - Freedom
I was drawn to the lyrical content of this song, and I think the video is beautifully shot!

5.) PHILLIP PHILLIPS - Home
I was obsessed with him on American Idol (soOo happy he won), and I'm still obsessed. I know this song has been out for a while, but I'm posting it now, because it's still a favorite. I finally got a chance to listen to his whole album, and I need to purchase a hard copy of it ASAP! Excellent album. And he's super dreamy.

November 20, 2012

So today, November 20th, marks the day of my first ever fashion blog post!
Yippee!

<<DISCLAIMER>>I'm not the greatest at filming or photographing my looks yet, but I hope it translates well.Let me know what you guys think!

It's a bit chilly today, around 50 degrees here in Illinois, but the sunshine is bursting with warmth. Getting dressed this morning was really easy, because I had been waiting for a crisp, autumn day like today to cozy into this outfit. I wanted my first fashion post to be meaningful to me, so I appropriately named this look, Wildwood. Why wildwood you ask? Well keep on reading :)

Wildwood, by definition, means 'a wood growing in the wild or natural state; forest'. I'd like to think of myself as a woman forever growing in her organic, original, and very true state. Being the 'real you' can be challenging sometimes, but it's worth it.

I'm not trying to get all philosophical on you guys here, but I believe you have to know who you are in order to derive genuine thoughts and ideas about how you perceive the world and in turn, how you want the world to perceive you.

I always strive to be that true Jenn. I never want to be the girl that pretends to be something that I'm not, and I want my style in these fashion posts to reflect that. Though I enjoy playing around with trends, I would say I focus more on timeless fashion. Whatever the look of the day may be, I always hope my 'classic with a twist' styling feels eternal.

For those of you who are wondering, I maintain that 'twist' element in my style by thrifting and shopping for unique pieces. I really enjoy searching for those one-of-a-kind items to incorporate into my, otherwise, basic style.

I hope you guys enjoy these new series of fashion posts and that it inspires you to discover your personal style!

November 18, 2012

I've used NYC products before in the past and was never too fond of their makeup line, but this custom compact is great! Thanks to Influenster, I have a new respect for NYC. What a fantastic product to include in the Beauty Blogger Voxbox 2012.

PRODUCT INFO:

NYC New York Color's all-in-one compact gives you everything you need for a complete eye look: primer, illuminator, applicator and complementing shadows. With four vibrant colors designed for your eye color, you can create a look as individual as you are! Please visit http://newyorkcolor.com for more product details

WHERE TO BUY: drugstores or online ($4.99 at chain drugstores nationwide)

NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact in Dark Shadows

QUICK TAKE: I was unsure about NYC but willing to create a look with this palette. I really liked the packaging and the size of the compact.

USAGE TIPS: Use as suggested and you'll get a lovely result!

THE VERDICT: The primer consistency is very creamy and the wear is decent, the illuminator is nice (maybe a bit too sparkly), and the eyeshadows are nicely pigmented with little fall out. Overall, a simple and effective product at an excellent price. I highly recommend this product!

November 17, 2012

After watching some reviews on Boots No7 products on YouTube, I really wanted to try their products. All I've been hearing are good things, and well, I'm here to add to that. I've been using this for about 3 weeks now and my skin responds really well to it.PRODUCT INFO:No7 appreciates that busy lifestyles mean you don't always have time for a lengthy skincare regimen. That's why we've created Beautiful Skin. Discover radiant skin in 14 days with two simple steps:

Step 1: CleanseThe first step to beautiful skin is clean skin. All Beautiful Skin cleansers quickly and gently remove all traces of dirt and impurities, leaving you with perfectly clean, healthy skin. Skin is so effectively cleansed that there is no need for a separate toner.

1.) Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Lotion Normal/Dry The light, refreshing wipe-off formula feels weightless on the skin, yet it's very hard working, removing every last trace of make-up and grime. Packed with moisturizing agents like Glycerin, your skin will be left soft and refreshed. The oils are optimized to be the most effective at cleansing away dirt without removing natural and beneficial skin lipids. How to Use: This wipe-off cleanser is creamy and moisturizing therefore no water is required as part of your facial routine. Best applied to dry skin, massage upward and across the skin using cotton or wool, avoiding the eye area, and wipe off.Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream Dry/Very Dry:Instantly nourishes and promotes optimum hydration for healthy-looking radiant skin. making it less likely to be dry in the future. Containing additional moisturizing properties, this is exactly the care dry skin needs overnight to ensure you wake up with nourished and healthy looking skin. Glycerin, Shea butter and ceramides are added to the formulas leaving it incredibly smooth. Designed to work in harmony with your skin, replacing lost moisture and leaving you with healthy looking radiant skin. How to Use: Smooth into your face and neck after cleansing every evening Please visit http://www.shopbootsusa.com for more info.

WHERE TO BUY:(Cleansing Lotion) $8.49 at ShopBootsUSA, Target, drugstore.com, and ULTA among many other retail locations(Night Cream) $13.99 at ShopBootsUSA, Target, drugstore.com, and ULTA among many other retail locations

QUICK TAKE: Yay! I love skincare products!

USAGE TIPS: Use as directed and you will see good results.

THE VERDICT: Both the cleansing lotion and night cream have a very lovely texture. They are very hydrating and perfect for the cooler, dryer seasons. I like that these products are affordable and very effective. My skin loves these products. I highly recommend Boots No7!

After a night of heavy drinking, we gathered at our friends Nathan and Tyler's house for after hours -- the setting in which this baller photo was taken. There was a pair of Nathan's sunnies resting on the side table and Paul decided to try them on. Being my usual snarky self, I told Paul he looked like a douchebag and somehow that snowballed into how it would be hilarious if was there was a douchey 'say gurl' meme.

So with the help and inspiration of Jon, Paul, and our drunken stupor brilliance, we created a meme and coined it as Pervy Paul (it was initially Pedophile Paul but there was a unanimous decision to change it to something more funny and less offensive).

::the first, official Pervy Paul creation::

Paul & Jon

I went to high school with Jon and he lives in Texas now. And let me just tell you, Jon is a character. I can always count on him for a good joke or story. He's visiting the Midwest to spend Thanksgiving with his friends and family and brought home this Johnny Bravo bro-phrase -- 'say gurl!' (he made certain we all knew that girl was spelled g-u-r-l). Needless to say, we loved it so much that a meme was derived from it.

Gosh, I miss the old school Cartoon Network...so good.

Pervy Paul is more or less the R-rated spawn of Johnny Bravo. Speaking of Paul, the guy behind the meme, he's not as scummy as the photo suggests. I went to high school with Paul as well, and he is one of the nicest and least pervy guys you'll ever meet so it's amazing that he let us mold him into this creepster, 'say gurl' character.

Now that you guys have the back story of Pervy Paul, let's talk about why I love everything about this photo. This was the first photo taken out of a series of three, and I'd like to call this one the proverbial money shot. The poor image quality (my iPhone takes really hazy photos when the flash is on), the wearing of sunglasses indoors and at night, the giant bar stamp, the positioning of his bro lean...it all just screams 'Hello, I'm a douche, it's nice to meet me'. And I mean that in the nicest way because I told Paul to look extra douchey and he definitely delivered--well-douched my friend.

November 14, 2012

I'm not a lash wearer, but even I was stunned by these. They are some of the most lusciously soft lashes I have ever felt! Influenster has done it again -- another winning product found in my Beauty Blogger Voxbox 2012. Thanks for sending these to me, Influenster!

PRODUCT INFO:

Made from highest quality human hair. Use with Kiss adhesive for optimal results. Latex free, odor free, waterproof, flexible formula for 24hr hold, easy applicator.Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit provides everything you need for amazing lashes instantly! Each kit includes 1 pair of Eyelashes, 1 3g Adhesive,and 1 PRO Lash Applicator. The new PRO Lash Applicator allows for a flawless application every time! Kiss lashes come in a variety of styles that are perfect for everything from day wear to a formal evening event.

To Use: Simply apply glue to the lash band and let set for 30-60 seconds for adhesive to become slightly clear and tacky. Using the PRO Lash Applicator, apply lashes along the natural lash line. Hold, allowing adhesive to dry completely. Do the same to the second eyelash. Both lashes have a perfect fit!

WHERE TO BUY:Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit retails for $4.99 and is available at Walgreens stores nationwide. For more information and how-to videos, visit EverEZlashes.com.

QUICK TAKE: I thought these were so beautiful! And the applicator looked useful. And the latex-free lash glue is awesome because so many people have latex allergies these days.

USAGE TIPS: PATIENCE IS KEY!

THE VERDICT: I tested these out really quick and these lashes are not for me. Though they are super soft and gorgeous, it looks really unflattering on my Asian eyes. Sad day for Jenn. I wish these worked better with my almond eyes!

3. Spin one pin in from the top and the other from the base, taking care not to interlock pins.Please visit http://www.goody.com for more infoWHERE TO BUY:$7.29 at Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreen’s, Kroger, Duane Reade

QUICK TAKE: I already own a set, but was excited to receive another.

USAGE TIPS: Doesn't work too well with short hair. Works best with unwashed hair or hair that has texturizer in it.

THE VERDICT: I will always love this product. Goody created an innovative hair styling product that has made my life a lot easier. I can't wait to have long hair again to use it. Short hair sucks sometimes.

As of late, I've been really enjoying the musical compilations of Willy Moon and Paloma Faith.

I'm definitely a huge fan of rockabilly tunes, and Willy is like the hottest new, old thing to hit the mainstream. For me, discovering his music was like thrifting the funkiest vintage garment and knowing that it's BEYOND fresh. His music is energetic and spontaneous--you can't help but get up because it's that dancin' music! There's so much retro swag going on, I don't even know what to do with it. Be sure to look out for his complete album!

Willy Moon, giving fresh a new face.

Now, what can I say about Paloma. She's a heap of sweet with a shake of spicy, which pairs quite nicely with her bluesy style. I don't know if it's the weather or season or what, but I'm really diggin' blues musicians like Paloma and also, Lana Del Rey. Maybe I'm just an emotional 25-year-old woman that likes having a reason to lay in bed for a couple hours. *shrugs*

Paloma Faith, epitome of 'classic with a twist'

Anyways, both the Willy Moon and Paloma Faith videos (for the songs listed above) utilized a black and white theme which led me to seek other great songs that were also filmed in black and white. Surprisingly, I was able to find some quick favorites that I kept going back to on my iPod. Again, something must be in the air, because it seemed like I found a multitude of new videos that were filmed in classic black and white.

Which nicely directs our attention to the other three songs mentioned...

I'm not a OneDirection fan, but 'Little Things' really stunned me. I mean that in the best way possible because, typically, I think they sound like young, obnoxious prepubescent boys. Thank gawd they decided to get grown...a least for one song.

The song and video 'Forward' was an obvious replay for obvious reasons -- the PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION (for those of you who are living under a rock with Patrick the starfish)

"Patrick, wake up! Today is election day!" - Spongebob Squarepants

Last but not least, let's talk about one of my favorite black and white videos of all time. 'Scream' by Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. I think was in 2nd grade at the time, so I was about 7-years-old(?) when I first saw this video, and I remember being absolutely hypnotized by the futuristic-ness of it all. The only other TV memories I have consist of Lamb Chops Play-ALong, Saved By The Bell, Boy Meets World, Full House, and Chicago Bulls basketball games, so the fact that I remember 'Scream' (a five minute music video) is kind of a big deal.